Spray Coating Made to Repel Moisture

Rust-Oleum has introduced NeverWet, a multi-surface spray-coating, designed to repel water, mud, ice and other liquids.

The two-step product system protects surfaces with a superhydrophobic treatment, according to the Vernon Hills, IL-based specialty paints and coatings manufacturer.

NeverWet causes liquids to form nearly perfect spheres, which shoot off the surface keeping items clean and dry, Rust-Oleum says.

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NeverWet is available to consumers in a two-component aerosol kit.

The coating is suitable for indoor/outdoor conditions, and can be used on metal, concrete, wood, aluminum, galvanized metal, PVC, masonry, asphalt, vinyl siding, paper, and plastic.

How it Works

NeverWet causes water droplets to form a contact angle of up to 165 degrees, more than three times the contact angle of an untreated surface, according to the product description.

When a liquid hits an untreated surface, it pools on the surface, like a deflated ball, causing the item to become saturated. When water, mud and ice contact a NeverWet-treated surface, the extreme contact angle causes the liquid to form nearly perfect spheres, like marbles of water. The spheres then glide off the surface, keeping it dry.

Application, Other Features

The product is packaged in two-component aerosol kit and is applied in a two-step process.

The base coat is sprayed on and allowed to dry for 30 minutes. Once dry, it can be topcoated with one or two coats of the NeverWet Top Coat, according to product literature.

The system applies clear and dries to a flat, light haze and may leave a slightly chalky feel, the company says.

It can be exposed to water in as little as 30 minutes after the final application of top coat, and is fully cured in 12 hours, the company reports.

Further, Rust-Oleum recommends reapplication when water no longer beads and rolls off the surface.

One kit of industrial-size NeverWet contains two large 14 oz. cans and provides 15 to 25 square-feet of coverage. The industrial spray cans feature high velocity spray tips for fast and even application, the company adds.